Deepti Naval is considered as one of the closest friends and co-star of the Late Farooq Sheikh. This duo was considered a hit pair and worked together to deliver several hits. Deepti in an interview said, “It is unbelievable. I am in a state of shock. He is one of the finest actors in the film industry. He is the one who has always encouraged me to work.”

Deepti further added, “I just got a call from Shabana Azmi. She said he had a massive heart attack in Dubai. They will be getting his body to India. I am in Himachal right now. I am flying back to Mumbai. I also spoke to Shabana Azmi who was also aware of the sad, shocking and unbelievable news.” She recalled the promise she and the late actor had made, and said: “After our last film Listen Amaya, Farooq and I had promised to each other that we will work together again and there were many films in the pipeline. We had decided to be in touch in terms of work.”

Sheikh’s body will be brought to Mumbai for the last rites after completing the relevant formalities in Dubai. Sheikh, 65, was reported to be in a fit condition and had interacted with Naval two months ago at the Sharjah book fair. Born March 25, 1948, Sheikh started his Bollywood career in 1973 with the classic Garm Hawa and later excelled in both parallel and mainstream cinema. Over the years, he became known for his roles in many notable movies, including Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Umrao Jaan, Kissise Na Kehna, Noorie and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani in which he played Ranbir Kapoor’s father. He was last seen in Club 60. Sheikh is renowned for his immense contribution to parallel cinema, low-budget high quality movies, theater and television – the last medium where he hosted a popular talk show, Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai.